CPC national congress to bring positive changes to world

The 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has fleshed out the development goals for China during the next decade which will bring positive changes to the world, former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin has said.

Having traveled to China many times, the 64-year-old French politician said he is well acquainted with the country and the leadership of the CPC.

"I think the new CPC leadership is very pragmatic," Raffarin said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

Raffarin said the report to the 18th CPC National Congress, which emphasized solving the development imbalances in China, has responded to the expectation and demands of the Chinese people.

The CPC pledged to give priority to improving economic growth quality and protecting environment, and these are the problems the world is facing, Raffarin said.

Raffarin praised China for being a growth drive to the world economy in the past years.

Raffarin said that as China is rising, the world needs a more balanced, more harmonious and more peaceful China. Therefore, it is very important for China to incorporate peaceful rise in its blueprint for development.

The world stability and peace should be maintained by a balance of global powers, not by hegemony of one superpower, Raffarin said, adding that China has been playing an active and important role in the G20 and the UN Security Council, and has become an important element in maintaining world stability.

As to bilateral relations between China and France, Raffarin said the two countries share an affinity for believing in multipolarity, which makes Sino-French relations more important.

Although the two countries view the issue of trade balance differently, it serves the interests of both to establish a stable and comprehensive strategic partnership.

Raffarin urged leaders from both countries to maintain close communications with each other, saying the leaders of the two countries have reached consensuses on expanding mutual investment and reaching win-win trade balance.

To develop sound Sino-French ties will benefit not only the two countries, but also the world peace, stability and development.